Katy Wimhurst

Katy Wimhurst is a British writer and visual poet known for her distinctive blend of magical realism, dystopia and surrealism. Her first short story collection, Snapshots of the Apocalypse (2022), published by Fly on the Wall Press, was praised for its dark yet quirky stories, infused with humour and hope. Her work often explores off-kilter worlds that mirror our own, often exploring themes of survival, transformation and the unexpected intersections of reality and fantasy.

Wimhurst's fiction has appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, including The Guardian, Cafe Irreal, Writers' Forum and ShooterLit. Her interest in surrealism stems from her academic background; she studied social anthropology and completed a PhD on Mexican surrealism, a subject which influenced her fascination with 'the other' and 'being othered'. These themes permeate her work as she uses surreal narratives to explore the human experience from alternative perspectives. In addition to her fiction, she has interviewed many writers and occasionally writes non-fiction.

Wimhurst's experience living in Spain and Italy, where she worked as an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teacher, further broadened her view of cultural narratives and storytelling. Before turning to writing full-time, she held various positions in academic publishing, which gave her an insight into the literary world.

In her 30s, Wimhurst developed M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), a severe neuro-immune disease often trivialised as 'fatigue'. Her illness had a significant impact on her life and work. After some improvement, she suffered a severe relapse in 2019. Wimhurst is donating 60% of her royalties from Snapshots of the Apocalypse to MS charities, underlining her commitment to raising awareness and supporting others affected by the disease.

In Snapshots of the Apocalypse (2022), Wimhurst creates stories where magical realism meets dystopia with a unique twist. The collection includes tales of an enchanted garden growing in a rented flat, a winged creature who longs to be an archaeologist, and post-apocalyptic rains named after former politicians.

In her second collection, Let Them Float (2023), Katy Wimhurst blends magical realism with dark themes. The stories examine strange situations with more significant social and mental health problems. In one story, rabbits symbolise the spread of fears and anxieties. In another story, people overwhelmed by their daily lives float above an urban park, showing how modern life can make people feel isolated.

The collection also examines illness and the environment. In one story, a woman becomes transparent after catching a virus, showing how people can feel invisible.

Photo credit: www.flyonthewallpress.co.uk